There's a tremendous about of stuff going on over on ToD, we've
pretty much shared most of it with everyone but I want to list
it here.

First, a welcome to our new Immortal Vondur. Don't ask who he
is, he'll tell you when he's ready. He'll be coming up with
some RP stuff to keep people occupied and although he may be
a new Immortal, he is a seasoned player.

There are still two open slots for Immortals and three people
who have yet to get their 10 day audition. This is my fault,
I've been caught up in other stuff and I've been remiss in
getting these people up there with us. Sorry about that, I'll
try to be more attentive in the future.

We came to a major decision regarding Chuck a couple of weeks
ago, I want to discuss this in detail. Chuck is pretty much
a completely different mud than the main port. There is a
huge amount of finished and unfinished code in Chuck and only
18 of the same stock areas.

The problem has been working on two ports at once. We've
added the clan spell system into the main port and a lot of
other pithy new code changes and areas. Add to this every
time I would get into something in Chuck, something would come
up on the main port.

Up until recently, the plan has been to add the main port code
to Chuck and do it that way. That's been the plan for the 5
years Chuck has been in the making.

We have just changed that plan.

After much discussion with the Seal, it was decided that it
would make more sense to take what's in Chuck and add it to
the main port, piece by piece. Yes, this is going to be a
huge amount of work but Meathe has proven he can handle any
obstacle tossed his way (except perhaps Kaiko's recent lust
for his Sealy manhood).

The areas in Chuck present a problem we are working on. There
are 143 areas in Chuck, only 18 stock ones remain. Much work
has gone into these areas and coming up with a way to port
them from one to the other is looming upon us. We are adding
some major code to the main port and hopefully this will make
it easier to move areas. I personally have 83 areas in Chuck,
the idea of re-linking them all gives me hives.

Currently in the main port the plan is this... Meathe is
busting his humpus to add 4 'things.' I call them things for
now, I'll expand in a minute.

Once these 4 things are done and in the main port, we will
then open a mirror copy of the main port on another port and
this new port will become the future of Time of Darkness. New
code will stop being added to the port everyone plays now and
it will all be about the second port.

This is also when the beta-testers and builders will finally be
called to active duty. The new mud will NOT go live until it
has been tested, raped, assaulted and beat on in every way
possible and those who ask to build will also be asked to beta
test. Beta testers and builders will be rewarded with one
Apostle character once the new mud opens (I'll explain that
in another post).

The 4 things that are being worked on now will be used
in the main player port, people will be able to enjoy them.

And by now, you're probably wondering what the 4 things are
so let's get to that.

1. Object and Room Progs: What we are adding here are
fully functional object and room progs. Short of common sense
things that are mob-specific, rooms and objects will be able
to do all mobs do. This makes for amazing possibilities for
area quests, clan mazes and other good juju. This is also a
large and complex deal to add as we have custom commands for
our builders to add and progs are confusing enough.

2. Seasons/Climate: This serves a few purposes. We
use weather as one of the possible elements of item corrosion
so that's one. Weather will also be able to damage players,
for example getting hit by lightning in a storm or bonked on
the head by a hail stone.

The system works two ways. A builder has an option to set a
climate for an entire area in the aedit. This will disallow
any other weather conditions except for what fits with the
selected climate. For example, I would want to make the area
with the ice bats climate frozen. Now inside frozen I would
use the weather system to determine what weather conditions
I want to use. The 12 months of the mud will be broken down
into seasons and weather conditions will look something like:

Weather Patterns:
Spring Weather
1. rain showers
2. thunderstorms
3. fog
4. calm sunny day
5. overcast

Summer Weather
1. arid heat (heat patterns shimmer in the air)
2. humid heat
3. hot sunny
4. warm breezy
5. thunderstorms

Autumn Weather
1. chill winds
2. fog
3. overcast
4. sleet
5. rain
6. heavy wind/thunderstorm

Winter Weather
1. biting windchill
2. frost
3. hail and sleet
4. light snow
5. heavy snow
6. heavy wind/heavy snow (blizzardish)

This also has great potential for season-based area quests,
I can see Nav getting giddy already.. It will also add some
RP-reality to the overall game, would you stand outside IRL
in a lightning storm and fight with someone?

(Meathey, don't have a heart attack here, I know I didn't
really explain it right but this is an overview. It's ok)

3. Item Corrosion: Again adding more realism to
the game, item corrosion is being added. Not all items will
corrode and corrosion will not be something that will wreck
your precious eq in a tick.

EQ can be corroded in up to 3 ways; time, weather and certain
types of attacks. Items will corrode as designated by the
builder but will allow ample time for players to get to a
mob to fix their item. These mobs will be in each hometown
and the cost to repair an item will not be a high one.

4. Arena Revamp: To put it bluntly, the arena system
sucks. What began last night as discussion about stripping
clanspells in an arena fight brought about the revelation that
the arena system sucks. It sucks less in Chuck.

A few things need to change. The insta-trans from accepting
a battle into the arena being the first one. After a player
accepts there should be a tick pause for clanspells to be
stripped and to give the player a chance to re-spell or to
re-sanc or whatever might be needed after the clanspell goes.
People should have to walk to the arena to watch and not be
frozen during battle.

I know people have asked for arena betting. We had it once
before and to be honest, I have yet to see a way around the
cheating it creates. It becomes a quick way to make plat and
that's not what it should be. We are open to ideas if any of
you have them, how can we implement an arena betting system
that won't let people use it to get rich quick. We've already
tossed about not letting clannies bet on clannies and setting
a bet limit so no one gets rich (50 plat or so).

And those are the current big four. You'll be seeing more
of these as I have created a new category called "The Future
of ToD" and this is where I'll be posting to keep track of
things for myself.

As always, please feel free to comment or question here, I
will answer here, I can't promise to answer on the mud. As
things move along I'll be spending more time in the other
port and less time on the main port so use this blog and
ask what you want.

There, staff journal update done! Now I can get back to
harassing all the other Imms except Meathe to get back to
their own staff journals. Once a week, guys.

Huzzah!

Well.

After being down for a full week ToD is back, minus one Kitten Goddess. I have not logged on since it went down on the 23rd and I can't give a date when I'll be back. So if you pray and are told I'm not there and haven't been, it's true.

I won't go into details of why it went down or why it came back. I got some email that managed to penetrate my armour so I decided to bring the mud back even if I wasn't there.

I'm not saying I'll never be back. Things happened and words were or were not spoken and it just made me realise that for the first time in 6 years, I either needed to take a break or there was no way the mud would ever come back. I have faith in the staff that they'll have no problems handling anything that should arise and I'm not impossible to get in touch with if need or want be.

I have a roleplay post to stick in here I've been working on, something to tie in the downtime and my not being around. I'll get to it sometime before the end of the world.

The mud was brought back for the players. Even if there are only five of you on the who list, the mud was brought back for you. In reponse to the things I heard from you. I never would have thought I would let it run without being there, I've been every bit the completely involved owner for 6 years but it seemed selfish of me to keep it down for my own personal reasons.

So this is just a short one for now, a thank you to the people who cared enough to take the time to come to me and a small clarification of where my head is at with regards to the mud right now.

Now go kill some IOoDS.

I haven't done much with the mud lately, just haven't had the urge. Darkstar asked last night if any of the players actually read these staff journals and it made me think. I'm sure a few do, the ones who care will take the time to read them and that's who we do this for.

I've been at this mud stuff a long time now, 6 years is a long friggin' time. I'm not totally burned out but there's something not right with my thoughts. Losing an Immortal always gets to me and to lose one because they've become insensitive and cruel is an even bigger bite. I don't care how long a person has been imming for someone else, it's not the same as being the owner and to assume it is is arrogant and incorrect.

I'm about ready to wipe Dominion and a few other clans, I'm greatly disappointed in the way the clan has handled itself and the blog. When I do get back to the swing of things in the mud it will be understood that if we can put the time and effort into the code, the players can return the favour. Keeping an up to date blog was a requirement for leadership and I'm only seeing IOoDS do their part.

The numbers are down lately too. Bothers me a bit, I know it's not just us but yes, it is disheartening to come on and see two people on the who list and those who log on only to log right off. Why go through all the code and work if no one gives a crap, ya know? But I just wrote the news about that so I won't go into it too much right now.

Why hire new Immortals when there's no one for them to Imm over?

Why post info in forums when no one goes there?

Why post info in blogs when no one reads them?

Why work new code when no one's around?

Why care if no one else does?

Sounds like drama, I know it sounds like drama but it's not. I was accused by a heartless excuse of a human being of 'sounding like you're at a funeral' but it's really not drama. It's just matter of fact. I find it depressing when I log into my mud and see two people on. When something is depressing you have the choice to let it depress you, change it or walk away from it. There's no shame in closing a mud after a 6 year run, hell most muds don't last half that time. So it's not drama, it's just genuine wondering if it's time to let it go.

I actually had a player go on a tirade about Napoleon's still being around as an Immortal and then proceed to tell me his opinions of how bad the candidates who applied for Immortality were and then give me quite the condescending "Immortality holds no interest for me anymore." Holy mother of all pompous asses.. Things like that eat away at a person when you hear it too many times. No one offered you immortality, why do you feel the need to tell me it holds no interest for you? So amazingly arrogant.

No, Napoleon has not been made a staff member. He is still around because quite frankly he's an intelligent and entertaining guy who had brought some laughter into Jamaica. The accusations of cheating are insulting to my entire staff, I think we would know if a 105 is cheating and ToD auto-logs a lot of commands such as set, load, restrings, renames, etc. When it's time to go, he'll step down and into IOoDS leadership and is more than invited to apply for an official spot. But that's really not any of anyone's business now, is it? HA! Some people have to opine on anything.

Nine people applied for Immortality, when the hell was the last time we had 9 people on the who list? If I were applying for Immortality and the game was in a lull, I would be there as much as possible trying to liven it up. Needless to say none of the nine have knocked me off my feet with their effort.

I miss Squiggy, were Squiggy around I'd probably Imm him as one of the three. He got me, he understood everything I ever said to him and even with the bitter arguments, there was a genuine bond. There really isn't anyone else I connect to in the same way (nothing like that, pervs) and I miss it. I've been having a real crisis of faith as far as people are concerned lately and it only makes me appreciate even more the few that are for real and that's you, Squiggy. I'll save the crisis of faith for another entry.

I don't expect many people to read this. The Imms will and maybe one of two of the morts but I don't expect a crowd. I don't need a crowd, I needed to get this off my (ample) chest and clear my head a bit. It's six days till my birthday, there's a lot in my mind and I needed to sort this out.

I guess I'll figure it all out as I go.

Doobie doobie doo.

There's been a whole lotta stress in here since I walked in the door Tuesday afternoon. I haven't even put anything away, there's 4 boxes full of Christmas presents all over the living room. Haven't checked email much, made blogs, done a damn thing.

I would like to thank Coyote for kicking the mud the other night, thanks Dawg..

I have to motivate. Get the piles out of the living room and get to work. Too many areas in Chuck have my name before them. I used to love building so much, not sure why I'm so stalled. I have to answer the people who replied to the Imm job posts on the forum. I haven't forgotten you people, I'm just having problems re-adjusting.

I really would like to see Chuck done by the Summer. Summer seems a safe time to guesstimate, it's still far away enough to not seem real but I know it's not that far. But 83 areas are not going to build themselves.

No, I haven't forgotten the clan halls, Dult. So much to do..

I guess it's time to come back and get to work.

I have added a new category to the blog, "Staff Journal." This is an out of character section of the blog, I'll be using it to post updates about what I'm doing with the mud. My areas, mobs, ideas, projects, strife, wins and losses. It won't always be pretty but it will be kept up to date and it will show a side of behind the scenes with Kali that hasn't previously been viewable outside of Jamaica.

That is if anyone even bothers to read it! har har.

Staff Journal entries will all begin with SJ and a number so readers will know right off the bat.

Thank you, that will be $9.98. Drive thru.

So many people have asked me about owning a mud, particularly one that has crossed over its sixth birthday. They have asked me about the day to day of it and how we Immortals come to the decisions we do.

This isn't going to be where I reveal every trick I've learned, far be it for me to deprive anyone of that 'baptism by fire' feeling. This is the OOC section of the Kali blog, this is where Kali the Admin will post.

I have a world of work to do in Chuck, I'll be posting on it here as it moves along and as I make progress. I have a search going for a few new Immortals, I'll be commenting on that here. I have players I want to throttle sometimes, I'll be posting about them here.

I'll be posting successes and failures and hopefully something witty will sneak in here and there. Owning a mud is certainly a trip and being a hands-on owner only makes it better.

This is an inside look into 'Titler's' mind and what comes out of it. And who knows, maybe something said here will inspire the next great Chuck idea. In any case, if you're still reading this I thank you for caring.

I don't want to talk on the mud about what is posted here. Read at your own discretion and don't cry to me if you don't like what you see. People have asked me why I'm such a bitch at times to them, perhaps this will offer a bit of insight into what makes good Immortals turn to uber-bitches.

Once again I've neglected you, my apologies. It's been unpleasantly quiet in the Tabernacle with Nikola and Mandolus gone, I've been spending more time in Kjeldoran and always forget to take you with me..

Many peculiar stirrings as of recent, some I have yet to act on as I lay wait to see how they play out. There have been returns to the lands and a bit of news from the two High Priests.

Kamenoko has returned. At first when I saw him there was a flare of anger at his actions of the past. The truth is often not a pretty picture and simply because he did not like the truth doesn't make it any less true. What I said I said based on cold hard facts and his reaction annoyed me tremendously. But to live in the past is to dance with regret and ghosts so once the initial flare cooled, I went to him. His choice of clans surprised me but aside from a minor situation where he had to be reminded that he is a guest in the lands, it is a good thing to see him back. Before there was trouble I held a high opinion of him, something rare for me when dealing with mortals.

And even stranger than Kamenoko, I was awoken the other night by the strangest vision of Exodus of all beings. Exodus. He wasn't the same but he was still very much Exodus. He seemed to be in the Church of Shadows, come back to see how what he created had become. I immediately grabbed my scrying glass and honed in and it was in fact Exodus.

I didn't watch for long, it would be impossible to conceal my scrying if I kept it up, no matter what shape he was in he is still Exodus and I would be felt. I don't know what he was doing or when he arrived but the watchers have been dispatched, there has to be a reason for this...

And then there is this Sarantus, a newcomer. For reasons I can't grasp he has caught my attention. He reminds me a bit of Exodus but maybe it's just what I saw that has me confused.

I'm going to close this now, I have much to write of Nikola and Mandolus but the chime rings downstairs, Oaklore is at the door and there are things to be discussed, changes and plans to be gone over.

More later, cherished book..

"There is one thing we have left to try. I admit to not wanting to go this route, I'm not sure I'll be happy with what I see but this seems to be the only way to handle this. Yes, Nikola. I do understand. The orb is not eternal, to use it this way is to drain it of what it has left before fully understanding what it is. Coyote, if you wouldn't mind parting with your toy for a moment?" Snorting at her sarcasm, Coyote flicks the orb in her direction. Catching it with a smirk she stares into it, looking at the opalescence. "There really is nothing to be considered. I'm going to make use of this thing, even drained of its energy it makes a wonderful *coughs* dog toy. What use is it to have a home full of virgin trinkets if they can serve an actual purpose?"

With eyes honed in on the statue of Morakai in the corner of the room, She sits in the circle and rolls the orb back and forth between Her hands. Chanting softly, She looks from the statue into the orb, asking to be granted the gift of visions for a moment so that he may be found.

At first, nothing. Only the murky interior of the orb as it rolls across the floor. Nothing, it seems like an hour when in fact it has been only a few minutes. All eyes are glued to the orb and the melodic chanting seems to grow louder. Patient and skilled, She sits and watches, unblinking. Quietly She speaks, "Lord Morakai, my Father and my Deity. I ask that you grant me access to the energies of this Orb. I ask that you allow me to see where it is he has gone to and what his state of mind is. It would mean a great deal to your daughter if you would find it within you to grant me what I ask..."

The murky nothing lingers a moment longer and then seems to split down the middle like curtains as an image appears. The orb no longer seems a small ball, the image inside is large and clear. She is caught off guard, a small gasp escaping from Her lips. Coyote stands to the side, his tail swishing quickly back and forth as he contemplates what trickery is afoot and even the unfaltering Tabernacle Priests seem intrigued. "Nikola, Mandolus," She whispers as if afraid of chasing the image away, "Is that what has become of him and what is he saying? Who is he talking to? What in the name of God and Goddess has happened to him?"

The image in the orb is a disturbing one. A male figure walks through what appears to be a world of nothing. A flat landscape decorated with horrific cries from unseen sources and a frenzied chaotic feel to the air. What would look to the untrained eye to be whirling clouds of dust or sand are recognised by the skilled immediately as scattered auras, trapped essences in a bad place.

The figure at first seems to be deeply engrossed in a heated conversation, his eyes blaze and his motions are strong. It takes a moment to realise there is no one there with him. Bits of his words can be made out, sixteen and sixteen are thirty-two and .. "Is he counting? Nikola, look closely please. He appears to be counting an endless count..." The Priest stares into the orb, sixty-four and sixty-four are one-twenty-eight, the count continues. "Look in his eyes, he's fighting a battle of some sort regardless of whether we see anyone there. This is bad, my friends. This is very bad. I've read of this place in the Annals, his being sent here was akin to a mental death sentence. He hasn't been beaten yet though, there is something cohesive in the counting."

He continues his walk, wings beating furiously and then stopping dead still, his gait steady and tenuous at the same time. One-thousand-twenty-four and one-thousand-twenty-four are two-thousand-forty-eight... Silence followed by a flash of rage in his eyes followed by a look of despair, both come and go in the blink of an eye..

"Enough! I can't watch this anymore, I can't stand to look at him like that! Thank you, God Morakai, for allowing me to glimpse into the heart of darkness and see the horror. It angers me, it saddens me, it bloody well disturbs me!" Looking away from the orb She scans the eyes of those in the room and sees agreement in all. There never really was any question at all.

"You have to find him, Nikola. Take Mandolus and a Dominion sentinel, all will be well within the Tabernacle. Zayne is learning quickly, this will be a good test of what he has picked up. The lore will be recorded. I don't care how long it takes or who you might have to slaughter on the way, Dominion will be paid their usual fee and they won't disappoint." With that, She passes a hand over the orb and the image is no more and the murky interior has returned. Shaking Her head sadly as She rises from the circle, She tosses the orb back to Coyote and looks at Her Priests.

"There ya go, Dog. Nikola, Mandolus. I ask of and entrust to you a great favour and a task. I ask that you and a Dominion sentinel go and find him. Enter the netherworld of chaos and find him. I ask that you remain clear of purpose and mind in this world of chaos and are able to withstand its pull. I ask that once you find him you bring him back here immediately, if necessary by force. I understand if he has to be subdued, we don't know what his state of mind is. This is not right, this is not what he is meant for. Go. Find him and bring him home."

Walking over to the Priests, She kisses each of them on the mouth and whispers a few ancient words of safety to them. "Be safe, my Priests. Be safe and find him. Please."

to be continued

Taking a deep puff from her Pipe of Clarity, She reaches over and strokes the Hawk, no words needed as for once the beast is keeping his thoughts and his squawks to himself and is content just to be stroked. Savoring the often-overlooked power and beauty of a perfect night and clarity of thought, She begins once again to write.

On this day and as a representative of the Lore Keepers, I do write the following and swear to its truth. - Kalilyn Roanairre, Daughter of Morakai and Overseer of Norlondar.

What was is no more. Gone are the familiar halls of the clans they have formed. Gone are the assurances of fighting alongside friends, gone are the alliances and tenuous trusts formed over ale and bloodshed. How confusing it must be for them to wander into the Lands and discover all has changed. How confusing to wake up one morning, leave the home and discover your meeting place has a new banner flying from the roof.

How uneasy we all felt as we met with the delegates from the new organisations. We knew we would be changing their lives and their friends and making them re-think all they believe in. It wasn't an easy choice to approve the takeovers, it was difficult and draining and by the time it was done even the ever-energetic and adventurous Oaklore looked exhausted.

After the delegates spoke it was up to us and I truly believe we made the right decisions. There are some things even we cannot control, the ball they set in motion with their arrogance, greed and cruelty continues to roll down the hill and we are bound by covenant not to stop it. Yet there are some things we can control and this decision was one of them.

Loyalties became convoluted, the sense of purpose that is supposed to walk hand in hand with belonging to a clan has been replaced by greed and the mob mentality. The individuals have become part of the masses and alliances have been formed on tainted blood. We did the right thing.

We went through so many scrolls, so many proposals, so many offers. Having vowed not to emerge from the room until the decision had been made we sat and talked for what seemed an eternity. Finally it was done, we all stopped talking at the same time as realisation set in, we were done.

The thirteen were chosen and word sent to each delegate. The thirteen new organisations that would replace what was and challenge the loyalties of all. We spent more time pondering which of these groups we wished to sit as Patron of and which were best suited without Patronage.

We questioned the purity of a Chapel of Prevailing Peace. How long before the same greed that permeated the Circle of Peace creeps into the Chapel? We accepted the Chapel of Prevailing Peace based on the sincerity of its delegate and decided to let Loky try and run the Chapel, its fate is in his hands now.

We questioned the attraction of a Covenant of the Golden Dawn. All one has to do is look around to see that the majority prefer the lure of the darker side and fighting against Chaos is a constant challenge few are fit for. We accepted the Covenant of the Golden Dawn based on the integrity of its delegate and the intensity of its cause. Good must be protected. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the necessity of a Keepers of the Prism. How easy it is to be lured away from battle for a quick orgy or communal nude bath? How easy it is to be swayed by lust and Bacchanalian joy and to lay the sword down. We accepted the Keepers of the Prism based on the strong individuality of its delegate and the Goddess Savitri's interest in Patroning this group. Although should the Goddess Savitri not be able to Patron them as they are for various reasons, an alternate delegate spoke up for allowing the group to kill alongside the Covenant in the defense of the light. This intrigued us. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the honesty of a Tradewind. It was greed and the love of the material that acted as catalyst for the impending doom that hangs over all of our heads. Merchants with nothing to sell because their time was spent drinking ale or frequenting Nayra's wenches. We accepted the Tradewind based on the convincing speech of its delegate and the simple fact that commerce between the three major cities and all in between is a necessity for survival and growth. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the acceptability of an Adventurer's Banner. To fight with one group alone and to be truly neutral and not swayed by greed or religious zeal is a strong calling few can answer. The true Adventurer's spirit is a dying breed as people choose to cling to their security blankets and safety zones. We accepted the Adventurer's Banner based on the spirit of its delegate and the God Oaklore's apparent yet unspoken Patronage. The Adventurer's spirit is something we celebrate. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the compatibility of a Tabernacle of Forgotten Lore. Would a fairly secretive and devoutly religious group of self proclaimed "benevolent intellocrats" fit in in the lands. They're neither particularly inviting or friendly and are concerned only with recording lore. We accepted the Tabernacle of Forgotten Lore based on the bond between the delegate and Kali, Nikola has served as the Tabernacle High Priest forever and as Kali herself came out of this group, she gladly Patrons this group. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the strength of a Stygian Temple. Many groups claim to be strong in their secret magicks, only two of the other groups, Tabernacle and Dominion, have knowledge of the Stygians and they honour the commitment not to share secrets. We accepted the Stygian Temple based on the wisdom of its delegate and the way they have of combining white, grey and black magicks; theirs is a goal of overall magickal power rather than for good or evil. This intrigued us and the God Dulthail was interested enough to offer to Patron this group. We have yet to find a suitable leader.

We questioned the chaos of a Den of Iniquity. Granting them entrance was akin to opening all women to attack, all children to kidnapping, all adults to be slaughtered. It is an open invitation to Chaos to enter into the Lands and have free run. Those so completely lacking in basic compassion and conscience can be a dangerous group to be around. We accepted the Den of Iniquity based on the reputation of its delegate, he had personally done some work for Kali in the past and she spoke for him. Careful thought was given and we chose Squiggy to lead this group.

We questioned the morals of a Dominion. Does it really do the citizenry well to know that the smiling person next to them in the cafe would quickly and effortlessly slip a blade into their side if the price was paid? This breed of stealth assassin is a deadly one and allowing them to set up shop in the Lands can only guarantee contracts will be signed and carried out within the Lands as grass grows, borne of blood. We accepted the Dominion based on the professionalism of its delegate and the knowledge that sometimes we all need a guaranteed assassin. It didn't take us long to place Skippy in the leader spot for this group.

We questioned the secrecy of a Church of Shadows. Their love of making pig-feed out of betrayers was something made clear to us right away, along with very little else. We were shown the torn and bloodied journal of Taja Deskrov and I believe we were all immediately sucked into the words and wondering at the rituals. Even Kali knows little of this group although what she knows was shared. We accepted the Church of Shadows based on the mystery appeal of its delegate and the fact that perhaps if the Church is within the Lands, some information about them might finally be gained. We have yet to find a suitable leader for this group.

We questioned the egos of an Infernal Order of D'Sar. The name alone connotes fanatical devotion and loyalty bordering on idolatry. The Lands don't need a band of murderous sycophants running around killing the living in the name of Darkstar and the undead. We accepted the Infernal Order of D'Sar based on the charisma of its delegate and the close ties Darkstar has formed with those already willing to follow him. We have yet to find a suitable leader for this group.

We questioned the deity of a Ninth Circle. While we have all heard talk of this "Satan" they proclaim to worship, none of us can ever recall actually seeing proof of such a deity. Evil as we know it does not come from anyone called "Satan" and their maniacal devotion to a deity we cannot even be sure exists is a bit odd. We accepted the Ninth Circle based on the holiness of its delegate and the obvious fact that whether or not this "Satan" is real, his followers are willing to kill and die for him and as with the Church of Shadows, if there is something to be learned it is best learned within the Lands. We have yet to find a suitable leader for this group.

We questioned the coldness of an Order of the Tainted Shade. True apathy is a plus to any assassin and to combine it with the powers of the dark makes for an order of murderous knights. Complete lack of morals makes the kill even easier and killing for the sake of killing alone is a sobering thought. We accepted the Order of the Tainted Shade based on the chivalry of its delegate and the strong feeling of loyalty so many have to Ahriman, Patron of this group. It only seemed natural to appoint Demerol and Farg as leaders of this group.

And so it shall be, and so it is. Things are still very new as I write this, they are settling into their new groups and some seem engergised by the changes. There is a vitality flowing trough the air as they are finding niches they never knew existed for them.

I shall write more frequently now as the evolution continues, let the lessons learned in today's world serve tomorrow's well. For now, there is an uneasy sense of excitement and newness to the Lands and it seems to be getting to everyone.

I leave this book for now, Morakai bless.

Standing on Her balcony watching the world beneath Her turning white and listening to the bubbles in the jacuzzi, She has stopped thinking for a few moments just to admire the powers of nature. The hawk sits on the railing to Her left, not overly fond of the cold snow on his wings but not altogether displeased. She holds a hand out as if to catch a snowflake and turns Her face to the sky, mouth open to taste the cold invigorating snow. Taking a deep breath of the crisp Winter air, She looks into the house to the two Tabernacle Priests quietly sipping tea and speaking to each other without words. Turning once again to admire the full view of Norlondar, She walks back into the house to the Priests.

"Nikola, Mandolus. You would both do well to go outside and enjoy this glorious gift of nature. Even a High Priest of the Tabernacle is allowed a bit of fun here and there." Snickering softly at their confirmations that they do indeed take time to have fun, She sits on the large sofa across from the fireplace and takes a deep puff from Her Bong of Clarity.

"I think it's time the Den released Alfred. I saw him the other day, wearing a horrid pair of antlers and dragging a ridiculously large wheelbarrow full of ale back to the Den. It's going to take Darkstar quite some time to bring the poor bugger out of his current emotional trauma, anymore and I fear it will be too late. I don't think Darkstar will be bringing any dead whores back to life again anytime soon." The Priest called Mandolus rose from the sofa and left the room, off to send word to the Den that it was time to release the butler. A Dominion sentinel would soon be arriving at the Den to accompany Alfred back to Darkstar and to make sure he gets there safely. "Well, Nikola. I suppose I've done my karmic good for the day with that one and the day has just begun. Karma is on my side today. How silly of him to think he can barter with the servitude of Squiggy. I don't need a bill of sale to make a willing slave out of Squiggy, I merely need a purr. However, I am impressed with Darkstar's plans and it is time Alfred went home."

Another deep puff from the pipe and a moment of silence as She savours the taste of the freshly grown blend of three different nips She received as a gift from the Gnome gardener. "So tell me again, all of it. I'm sorry I wasn't there to see the look on Coyote's face. I was wondering where that thing went, I should have known." Puffing silently as the Priest retells the story of the great battle and the sudden burst of light that blinded all for a few minutes and when it subsided, left a confused Darkstar and a missing bird. "And I thought cats were the ones who liked sparkly things" She said as She looked to the spot on the shelf where the orb should have been.

"So where is he, does anyone know?" Mandolus returned to the room and nodded Her way to let her know Alfred would soon be home. "Good, thank you Mandolus. Now sit and tell me where he went." She listened intently as Mandolus explained that while it was impossible to pinpoint his exact location, he could only be in one of four nether-worlds, unable to break free of the magical barriers keeping him confined.

"Perhaps it is for the best for now, things in the lands are touchy as it is without the Gods battling each other to extremes. The air blows change into the lands and if it is meant to be that one of our own is to spend time confined then it is for a higher reason." Pausing for a moment as Emerond the Dwarven Bartender brings Her a mug of warm cider and rum, She takes a swig and looks into the fire. "And remind me to leave my orbs in safer places" She giggles, "I can imagine the look on Darkstar's face, he must have thought HE did it! Oh, Morakai bless me, I can imagine the puzzlement so vividly! The orb is a powerful tool, I've only used it a few times myself. It's strange to think justice can be dispensed by an orb but I've learned not to question. I'm impressed Coyote got it to work for him but since he did and it did indeed send Navarre off to the nether-worlds, there had to be a reason."

She looks into the fire, seemingly distracted as She thinks to herself, fingers slowly stroking the hawk. "I'm afraid the Governess will need to be put on ice for a bit. If he can't control his playthings then control shall be taken for him. Weak or not, if Navarre had wanted he could have turned the Governess into ghoulash." She rises and looks at the statue of Morakai, concentrating deeply on its power. With a call to the God in the Olde Tongue and a swish of Her tail, there is a brief flash of light that quickly fades. She sits once more. "There. She's not dead but she won't be attacking any more Gods anytime soon. Silly bat, silly Governess. How sad he cannot see his own creation has discovered the human emotion of love and offers it willingly to his oblivious self. Just like a man, eh, Nikola?" Grinning as the Priest attempts the ever-tactful answer, She waves him quiet.

"No more for now, let us return to the Tabernacle. There are some things I wish to discuss with the Priestess and a call has been issued for one of the Virgins to connect with Sevarius, higher magic is needed for whatever ails him." As the two Priests rise, She startles them both by encompassing them in a strong hug. "I don't often tell you both how important you are to me, especially in these changing times. You are my eyes and ears and deeply appreciated. Now come, let us go home and learn what we can. Let us glance in the scrying pool and watch as Alfred tells the horror story of the Den. Let us revel in all we have and those we love. And perhaps we can learn more of the Nether-world now holding the Raven in its grasp. Come." Fluttering his wings, Rutger lands softly on Her shoulder as She walks out the door and into the silent snow-covered streets of Norlondar, a Priest at each side. "It really is a beautiful place here, isn't it?"

And thus all is quiet for the moment. With Alfred soon to be released, the Governess on ice, the slaves all sold and the strange changes Coyote will only speak cryptically about, life in the lands is in quiet chaos. Somewhere above, the Elder God known as Morakai is smiling, allowing these minutes of quiet before the storm ensues.

Temporarily.

Her hair hangs limp over her shoulders, her clothing dusty and speckled with dried blood. A crusted over wound in the mark of the Norlondarian Witch stands out on Her chest, proof that the 11th Rite is not a painfree one. Yet She is alive and walking and Her eyes are crystal clear and alert. She walks slowly to the firepit, nodding Her thanks to the Dominion sentinels and holding Her hands out to the Tabernacle priests as She approaches the pit.

Taking first the hand of Nikola, She presses his palm against the wound, causing it to open slightly and release a few drops of blood. Nikola bows before Her and rubs Her blood from his hand to his chest. Repeating the gesture with Mandolus, She seems weakened as She sits on a rock. Weakened yet perfectly lucid.

Her voice is raspy from chanting, hoarse and tired sounding but still She speaks. "Well, my dear Priests. As far as I can tell I am still sane, although I felt the pull more than once, I believe I was able to resist it. Now please, before I tell you what I learned, share with me what the Lore Trackers have made you aware of while I was in the caves. I am anxious to know what I have missed."

The more loquacious of the two, Nikola begins to inform Her of all She has missed. "They did WHAT?!?!? How long have they had him now, for the love of Morakai?" Nikola tells Her of the butlernapping, the taking of Alfred. Despite Her exhaustion, She can't help but snicker as She listens and thinks of the helpless God of the Undead. "How deliciously nasty, The Den must be rewarded well for their work. I'm glad they didn't harm him, I can imagine having to spend time in the Hall of Iniquity alone would be enough to cripple a stodgy butler like Alfred. When I return to the city I shall set the poor old chap free and let Darkstar return to the pampered priss that he so enjoys being. Ah, I do love that Den. Please, go on.."

With only the slightest hint of nervousness Nikola quickly tells Her how Mount Doom is no more and of Navarre's brush with eternity. "He did WHAT!?!?!?? What the bloody Hell got into his mind, what you describe seems almost an attempt at suicide." Finding it best to get it all out at once, Nikola brings Her up to date with the doings of the Seraph of Fate. "He went WHERE??? To do WHAT?!??" Speaking quietly under her breath in the olde tongue of Norlondar, She looks to the skies as if to demand they answer Her at once. "Alright, I never thought much of Mount Doom to begin with, such a bleak and depressing place. I shall have to don a warm cloak and traverse these chilled lands, this place borne of a hatred for chaos so deep it can manifest itself in significant geographical changes or (as it would seem)the attempt of a God to self destruct. He and I will have to sit and have a rather lengthy talk when he returns. Now tell me again, when and why did he go THERE?" Relaying to the best of his abilities what the Lore Trackers shared, he spoke of Navarre and his determination to penetrate the Tower. " He never knew he was being followed? Something else to remind me when I return to the city, Stravorius has earned a promotion if he is such a skilled tracker even a God doesn't see him. He has earned the right to full Priesthood. But back to Navarre. Continue to monitor his actions, if need should arise use the full scope of Norlondar but it would be preferred if we remained unseen. Let him do what he needs to do, I'll connect with him soon enough. Oy, Pigeon.." Allowing a tiny chuckle, Nikola continues his talk of the lands.

"So much going on and who would have thought Kaiko had it in him to lead the Brethren to bloodshed, will the wonders of Morakai never cease.. But now let us speak of the Rite, what it showed me and what it did to and for me. Come close and let me whisper of the secrets revealed..." Speaking in the olde tongue in a voice barely above a whisper, the Dominion sentinels can only make out a word here and there; "monolith...Crusaders....chaos....InfernalOrder....cleansing...godly battles....light.....dark....morakai....oaklore?.....catharsis" Whispered words of answers learned and why Her chest bleeds the mark of Morakai.

"And so you see, there are only a few possible ways we may allow things to go. It seems Oaklore has some insight into this, I shall have to spend some time alone with him as well and hear what he has learned. Yet now you see why there has to be drastic change, to sit quietly and let it continue will only result in our being written by the Lore Trackers as the lazy gods in the annals. It is far past the time of action, I am sad to say. At least the grand gates or Norlondar will not be........." Her words break off as a noise is heard and the Dominion sentinels spring into action like hungry lions after an elk.

Rising quickly, She turns her attention to one of the smaller caves to the west of the firepit. Reaching into Her bag and removing some herbs and small jars, She makes the sign of Morakai, rubs Her fingers against the mark on Her chest and brings Her finger to Her lips for a kiss. "Enough talk of that for the moment. The scroll Mandolus gave me was correct, the Drow has in fact survived and found his way here, I was right in my assessment of him. Let us tend to his ailments and stop the Dominion sentinels from slicing his throat and when he heals he will learn of what the loom of Fate has woven for him."

Seeming to glow ever so slightly as She walks towards the caves with the hawk on Her shoulder, She is followed by the Priests to where an injured Drow is about to be given over to the Underworld.

Although the residents of the lands don't know it, the ball has begun to roll down the hill and when it reaches the lands of Kjeldoran it will be so large that it could easily destroy all in its path. Life in the lands has begun to change, one era begins to fade and a new one lurks in the near future. What is is soon to become what was and what will be shall become what is and what is will be what should be and what was will be recorded forever in the annals by the faceless Lore Trackers

A flutter of wings and from the sky comes a golden-brown hawk, landing flawlessly upon the figure's shoulder, squawking a few notes. Chuckling in response, the figure pulls the hood from over her head and takes a deep breath of the crisp night air. "I know, Rutger. Good to know the Den of Iniquity remains solid in its commitment to defile every stranger it sees and yes, a bit of appreciative whistling at the state of my legs does indeed boost my ego, what of it?" Bantering back in forth in human-speak and hawk-squawk, the figure passes through the western gate of Norlondar and heads towards the Sacred Caves.

"It's been far too long, hawk. I've turned my back for too long on the goings-on in Kjeldoran and it's time to open my eyes. Damn Darkstar and his foolish notions, what in the name of Morakai himself was he thinking when he attempted to use Norlondarian Magicks to restore the life of a common whore? Chaos has become the strongest force in the lands and those who should be fighting have instead turned into fatcats admiring their attire or strength while reclining in the bar or their halls. Loyalties are betrayed for a price and those who control the light are losing the battle badly."

As the caves come into sight, there appear from the shadows two Tabernacle high priests. Warm hugs are exchanged and even the hawk seems pleased to see these two. "Nikola, Mandolus, how good it is to see you both! And I thank you for bringing my robes and trinkets, I might have to spend more time in the caves than I intended and I'll need all I have. Come, let us sit by the fire pit for a few moments and you can tell me what the Lore Trackers have uncovered and what I have missed." Nodding in agreement, the priests follow the Kitten Goddess to the fire pit, bringing her up to date on all the actions of the Tabernacle, Dominion contracts fulfilled and the murmurings of the commoners about the events in Kjeldoran.

"Just as I feared, word has spread as far as Rystia of the troubles in Kjeldoran. And I suppose there is much whispering about Darkstar's little soiree this weekend. No, I won't interfere, I'll watch from a distance and if need be, the strength of Morakai will be felt. I won't stop him, let the Den take Alfred for a few days to make my point, that will do." Looking into the mouth of the cave, she feels an involuntary shiver run from her toes to her head. "You would think by now I wouldn't feel the apprehension entering into His caves yet I do. He trusted me with the fate of the lands, I'm not succeeding as I should be and I know he's aware of this." Nods of agreement and a moment of silence betray the gravity of the situation and the tenuous position she finds herself in.

"What was that, Nikola? I intend to cast the runes and gain a clearer perspective of what's really afoot in Kjeldoran. I intend to cast the circle and perform the 11th Rite...." Now it was the priest's turn to shiver, he had suspected she was planning the 11th Rite but until he actually heard her say it, he held hope. "I know what you're thinking, my friend. It's been a long long time since the 11th Rite was performed and if I saw another way I would take it but there is no other way, it's that bad there."

Not giving the doubting priest any more time to worry, she rises and takes the shoulder bags full of what she will need to perform one of the most sacred, powerful and potentially destructive rituals in Morakaiian Arcana. If done correctly, the ritual would provide to her all the answers on what to do with Kjeldoran and the problems. If even the slightest detail is off, the possibility for a lasting state of dementia is a strong one. To a Witch of Morakai, not having complete control over your own mind is akin to not being alive. Dementia is a death sentence for a Witch of Morakai.

"Let me waste no more of your or my time. I could easily sit here by the fire pit all night and listen to your words of wisdom but the fate of Kjeldoran and its citizens is something that must be resolved. I don't intend to go insane, I intend to do all as it is meant to be and emerge with some answers. Dominion will be watching the caves, I won't be disturbed. Come, Rutger. The time is upon us." A kiss on the forehead of both priests and she walks slowly into the Sacred Caves of Morakai, followed by the hawk. Her determination filling her aura as the darkness of the caves seems to consume her and she is no longer in the eye range of the priests. Nodding to the Dominion members they knew were watching, the priests say a few prayers and scatter some herbs before the cave entrance. Making the sign of the Tabernacle, they chant softly for the Favourite Daughter of Norlondar and wish her strength and clarity and a smooth time with the 11th Rite. Together they turn and walk away from the caves, sombre and ready to return to the Tabernacle and report the events to the Lore Trackers. Whether the outcome be good or bad, it will nonetheless alter the shape of the lands and must be recorded.

The night is a deep one, the stars taking the night off to regenerate leaving the sky a dark inky hue. Strange sounds are heard in the thick darkness, Dominion signals to make their presence known. Inside the Sacred Caves, the Kitten Goddess prepares to dive head first into the strongest of Morakai's magicks to seek answers and strength. The situation in Kjeldoran has prompted this, its gravity finally hitting her like a sledgehammer. Back outside the Caves, a Dominion Seneschal snaps to attention, blade appearing as though an extension of his hand, only to realise what he hears is chanting in the Olde tongue of Norlondar.

It has begun.

Yet as I sit now, alone and far away from everyone, the smile on my face is real and the purr in my heart an affectionate one.

He is not of these lands, I've known him for what seems like a lifetime and I know much of his world. Yet until recently there was none of the connection that somehow formed itself and adhered my tail to it. When he is near there is a feeling of security that comes over me. Odd, security. Why would I possibly need security? I fear nothing yet at the same time I feel safer with his arms around me and it's a sensation I have come to cherish.

So many males have wandered in and out of Kjeldoran, some I've gotten close to while some have tried with all their gumption, to no avail. While my eyes might have turned in the direction of one or two, never in all my time here have I encountered someone I want to be with, want to hug and purr against, want to shout from the heavens that I have been graced by Morakai in the sweetest way. Morakai who has allowed his Daughter to be swept off her feet by a quiet and intense man with the spirit of a God, the wit and mind of a Bard, deep-running emotions and an uncanny ability to understand me and how my mind works. Thank you, Father.

Look at me, gushing like a mortal. That's alright, my thoughts here are my own. I speak not his name, I leave to him the ifs and whens of whether he chooses to make himself known. The feline in me is selfish by nature, I don't want to share him yet at the same time I want to yell from the highest tower in Norlondar that I, Kalilyn Roanairre, have found my smile. It wasn't buried forever as I thought it was when a Tree fell in Kjeldoran, it was simply hiding in a treasure chest for me to find the right source to light it.

And now it blazes.

How odd, this waking up happy. I wouldn't trade it for all of Beltanshy's wealth, though.

I shall close now, trusted journal. The hawk sits here looking at me, his eyes filled with amusement at my giddiness. Silly bird. I shall go now to the quiet caves on the Norlondarian shore and present Morakai with a ceremony he will be beyond pleased to see, sending him appreciation and thanking him for allowing this new light into my life.

May there be many more entries in my dear journal about this wonderful man, may Morakai's blessings shine upon us for eternity and may none attempt to ruin what is true and strong and built on emotion. Great Goddess, I sound like Savitri all full of gush and warmth.

............and I like it.

I haven't seen Beltanshy in too long, I hope he is well and comes back with pouches full of sparklies. Efficent and funny looking, I've grown accustomed to him being around. The jacuzzi is empty enough as it is these days. But I'll not go there.

I've seen some interesting new faces wandering Kjeldoran the past few days. One or two in particular have struck me as worth observing further. The best Immortals are those who ascend from the ranks, I've developed a keen eye for spotting early potential.

The skies over Norlondar are a bit bluer than they have been lately but there is still an empty feel. I no longer sit amongst the trees and feel at ease or at peace and this saddens me. Even I will never understand why certain events play out the way they do, what's the lesson learned if all the end results are pain and sadness?

Navarre has done an amazing job with the housing for the residents, I hope they appreciate his effort. Never let it be said that we want our residents to live in less than glorious surroundings.

Rivalus impressed me the other day, so much I was compelled to do a favour for the Hellfire clan. There should be more such as Rivalus who know the proper way to petition the Gods for a favour.

I close now, time is against me and I'm lucky I was able to steal a few moments to jot this down. Until next time, book of truths.. Be well and Morakai protect.

It's difficult to keep up a smile for the people of Kjeldoran and its surrounding areas, it is so amazingly difficult. Each took a little piece of my heart and my spirit with them when they packed their bags and left and it takes every essence of everything taught to me by Morakai not to break down completely. Yet the citizens of the lands must see none of it.

I wonder if even I am strong enough to face these latest obstacles. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Morakai guide your daughter and grant her strength and stability.